Top 10 Most Popular Dog Breeds From the UK

The United Kingdom is certainly rich in dog history. From dogs that assisted farmers in tending to the land to the cuddly, pampered dogs that sat alongside royalty - there is no shortage of dog breeds originating from the UK. In this list, we got through the 10 most popular dog breeds that have originated from the UK. These breeds have stories steeped in centuries of companionship and deliberate breeding, winning hearts not only in their homeland but also among dog lovers worldwide. These UK-origin breeds symbolize UK's enduring influence on the international community of dog enthusiasts.

#10 - Manchester Terrier

This breed is considered by many to be the oldest of all the identifiable Terrier breeds. They were already mentioned in books as early as the 16th century. They were developed in Manchester, England, and were essential for keeping the rat population in order. These dogs are highly intelligent and are eager to learn new things, making them very trainable. You can be sure that they will be ecstatic to go to the park for a game of frisbee, but be aware of any small animals running in the field because once your dog sees them, they will no longer be interested in the game that you had been playing!

#9 - West Highland White Terrier

This Terrier breed was developed in Scotland, however, the exact timeline of their origin is not entirely known. The Westie was developed primarily for capturing small vermin and for assisting hunters with hunting animals such as foxes, badgers, and otters. The personality of these pups is described as fun-loving and happy. The Westie gets along well with everybody, family and strangers alike.

#8 - Old English Sheepdog

The Old English Sheepdog is a breed that is admired by all dog lovers. They are good-natured, very playful, and often comical. These dogs get along great with children and make wonderful family pets. They are believed to have originated either from England or Scotland, and it is known that these dogs were used as drovers, which means they would assist in driving cattle and sheep to the market.

#7 - Staffordshire Bull Terrier

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier has quite an intimidating appearance. They have strong muscular bodies, a dominant stance, and a fearless gaze. That said, these dogs are nothing to fear. The "Staffy," as many refer to them, are gentle dogs with soft personalities. Socializing these dogs is extremely important as it will allow them to feel comfortable around new dogs and people. The Staffy is highly intelligent but is also stubborn. Their personalities require a dedicated owner who is ready to put in time and effort into properly training them. A more experienced dog owner is usually recommended for this breed.

#6 - Beagle

This compact hound dog is a happy, fun-loving pup. Beagles are very active companions packed with energy. This is the type of dog that needs to be taken out for daily exercise otherwise, your living room will not be in the best shape. Interestingly, the Beagle is widely used today in airports across the world. They have the ability to sniff out contraband while people are passing through, but at the same time, do not intimidate anyone. This is a plus for keeping people calm and also often catches people off guard.

#5 - English Springer Spaniel

The English Springer Spaniel was bred to be a hunting dog. Their purpose was to flush or "spring" game into the field to allow hunters to have a clear shot. This breed is athletic, versatile, and very energetic. Their historical purpose gave them a very strong prey drive, and they maintain this trait today. These dogs tend to be fantastic family pets and are very friendly toward most people. As long as they get enough exercise, they will be happy and calm in the house. They are often used as therapy dogs as they have a great ability to make people smile. The English Springer Spaniel loves to be with their family and will quickly become your new best friend.

#4 - Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

This purebred dog is relatively new; they have only been around since the early 20th century. These pups are actually recreations of the English Toy Spaniel, which has existed for hundreds of years. The English Toy Spaniel was extremely popular among nobility, and that is where the name of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniels' name stems from. This dog breed is one of the largest of the toy breeds, weighing between 13-18 pounds. They have extremely sweet personalities and thrive as house dogs. This dog adores being with its people and will follow them from room to room in the house.

#3 - Border Collie

If there has ever been an example of the ideal working dog, it would certainly be the Border Collie. These pups were bred to herd, and they thrive at it. This dog is used for herding all around the world until this day. The Border Collie originated somewhere in the Scotland/England area around the 1700s. Their amazing ability to control sheep was priceless for farmers. They are known for their intense stare, which alone can control sheep to move in the exact direction that they desire. They are known to be one of(if not the most) intelligent breeds. It is certainly a pleasure owning one of these beautiful animals, but before you bring one home...make sure you can keep up with them!

#2 - English Bulldog

They are especially known for their compassion towards children. This 40-50 pound doggo can be easily identified by their broad shoulders and chest and their thick, sturdy limbs. Bulldogs are so kind and gentle that it is difficult not to love them. They are very friendly and playful towards everyone they meet. One small warning: if you do decide to get a bulldog, you might need to wear earplugs at night as they are notorious snorers!

#1 - Cocker Spaniel

The Cocker Spaniel is one of the most pleasant dogs to own. They have a cheerful disposition and always seem to be in a great mood. These pups make especially good family pets as they adore playing with children. They are even-tempered and extremely gentle, making them excellent therapy dogs as well. The Cocker Spaniel has a calming nature to them, and their joy for life is contagious. It is difficult to ever feel down with these amazing animals around.